Facts about federal wildlife laws

1100.pdf
[0.32 MB]
Link will provide options to open or save document.

File Format:

Adobe Reader

April 2000
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Facts About
Federal
Wildlife
Laws
or an educator, the
information in this
booklet will help you
comply with wildlife
protection laws and
make your trip the
positive experience
you want it to be.
By observing the laws,
you’ll help preserve
the world’s wildlife
resources and avoid
delays in clearing
Customs.
This booklet is a guide
to Federal laws that
apply to the importation,
exportation, trade,
and sale of wildlife,
including live and dead
animals and animal
parts and products.
If you’re a tourist
traveling in foreign
countries, a hunter
planning a trip
abroad, an importer
or exporter, a scientist
Federal restrictions on the import
and export of protected wildlife also
apply to hunters who take trophies,
businesses that deal in the animal
and animal product trade, and
scientists or teachers who use
animals for research or educational
purposes. Some exceptions are
allowed, but most imports or exports
of wildlife require that a Federal
permit be obtained in advance.
What Can and Can’t be Imported
More than 1,000 species of animals
and plants are officially listed
under U.S. law as endangered or
threatened. With limited exceptions,
none may be imported or exported
either alive, as parts or products,
or as hunting trophies. One of these
exceptions is for certain antiques.
Other exceptions also may be granted
by Federal permit for scientific
research, breeding, or similar
acceptable purposes that contribute
to the species conservation.
Items falling into the endangered
species category which are commonly
sold abroad but are prohibited entry
into the United States include:
Whole shells and “tortoise”
shell jewelry made from shells of
sea turtles.
Sea turtle soup and facial creams.
Endangered
and Threatened
Species
Introduction As you read this booklet, you
should be aware that the wildlife
and wildlife parts and products
mentioned are only a few of the
species and items that are subject to
Federal law. Also, while this booklet
describes the basic requirements
of Federal regulations, it does not
cover them in full. More complete
information is available from
any of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service offices listed in the back
of this booklet.
If You’re Traveling Abroad...
Some of the most beautiful and
interesting souvenirs offered for sale
abroad are made from the furs,
hides, shells, feathers, teeth, and
flesh of creatures threatened with
extinction. Although tourists may
lawfully buy such souvenirs in a
number of foreign countries, it may
be illegal to import them into the
United States.
Don’t be fooled by the argument that
“the animal is already dead so it
doesn’t matter if you buy something
made from it.” Should you buy items
fashioned from endangered species,
you’d be adding to the demand for
such products and supporting a
market for which more animals
will be killed. When you consider
purchasing a wildlife product during
your travels, first make sure you
can legally bring it home. Don’t rely
on assurances by the vendor. Check
with the U.S. embassy or consular
office, which can then contact the
host government. A good rule, is “If
in doubt, do without.” There are no
refunds if your purchase is seized by
Customs or wildlife inspectors, and
you might also find yourself subject
to monetary penalties.
Under the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES), more than 130 nations are
now regulating international trade
to prevent the decline of species
threatened (listed in Appendix I of
CITES) or potentially threatened
(listed in Appendix II) with
extinction. Trade, which is defined
as import, export, or re-export, of
a long list of such threatened
animal and plant species, is either
virtually prohibited or restricted.
International shipment of these
species and products made from
them requires an import or export
permit, or both, issued in advance by
the official management authorities
of the countries involved.
Seals, whales, dugong (sea cows),
porpoises, walruses, sea otters,
polar bears, and manatees also are
protected by Federal laws. These
animals (alive or dead), their parts,
or products made from them may
not be imported in most instances
except by special permit. Articles
made from these animals that are
commonly sold abroad include:
Sealskin toys, purses, wallets, key
cases, and clothing.
CITES Species
Marine
Mammals
Rugs, pelts, hunting trophies, and a
wide variety of manufactured articles
(such as handbags, compacts, coats,
wallets, key cases, etc.) made from
the skins and/or fur of endangered
or threatened animals, including
the cheetah, jaguar, margay, ocelot,
tiger, and others.
Asian elephant ivory and whale teeth
decorated with etchings (scrimshaw)
or made into figurines (netsuke),
curios, pendants, and other jewelry.
African elephant ivory, both raw
and worked.
Sea turtle and some crocodile leather
shoes, handbags, belts, wallets,
luggage, and similar articles. Leather
products made from certain other
reptiles, including caiman, may also
be prohibited.
apparel, Indian artifacts, necklaces,
headbands, and curios decorated
with feathers.
Most psittacine birds (parrots,
macaws, etc.).
The Lacey Act helps foreign
countries and our individual
States enforce their wildlife
conservation laws.
Under the Lacey Act, it is a violation
of Federal law to import, export,
transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign
commerce any wildlife, including
fish, that was taken, transported,
possessed, or sold in violation of
any State of foreign law, or taken or
possessed in violation of other
Federal law or Indian tribal law.
Many countries prohibit the export
of certain species, and the United
States may also ban the importation
of wildlife from individual foreign
nations. Travelers should check
with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service about such restrictions
before their trip.
Several live animals, including but
not limited to the fruit bat, mongoose,
walking catfish, and java sparrow,
may not be imported because they
are deemed to be harmful to the
environment, to people, or to animals
and plants in the United States. This
prohibition applies to animals in
captivity, including pets, but does not
apply to domesticated dogs, cats, or
rabbits. Many States also have strict
prohibitions against the introduction
of non-native wildlife.
Injurious
Wildlife
Wildlife Taken
in Violation of
State, Federal,
Foreign, or
Indian Tribal
Law
Whalebone and whale and walrus
ivory, either in natural form or carved
into figurines, curios or jewelry.
Sea otter furs and clothing
Polar bear hunting trophies, rugs and
items of clothing.
Most migratory birds are protected
by international treaty as well as by
United States law and may not be
possessed without a permit. However,
game birds that are legally killed in
and exported from foreign countries
by United States hunters may be
imported and possessed. Fully
manufactured artificial flies for
fishing (other than those containing
protected bird species) may also be
imported and possessed. Many
CITES listed live birds are also
controlled under the Wild Bird
Conservation Act and may require
U.S. import permits. Prohibited or
controlled items commonly sold
abroad include:
Live and mounted migratory birds,
including bald and golden eagles.
Feathers in a variety of forms,
including flower pictures, wearing
Bird and
Bird Feathers
Where in the United States Can
Wildlife be Imported or Exported?
To maintain control over importation
and exportation, wildlife and
wildlife products must enter or
exit the United States at one of the
following designated ports unless
specific permits allow otherwise
or unless conditions exist that
allow entry or exit at a Canadian
or Mexican border port, or a
special port.
Atlanta, GA Miami, FL
Baltimore, MD New Orleans, LA
Boston, MA New York, NY
Chicago, IL Newark, NJ
Dallas, TX Portland, OR
Honolulu, HI San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA
Wildlife, including parts and
products, other than marine
mammals or endangered,
threatened, CITES, or injurious
species, which is imported or
exported for commercial purposes
and whose origin is the United
States, Canada, or Mexico, may
enter or exit at any of 31 specified
border ports in addition to the nine
designated ports listed above. A list
of these 31 border ports may be
obtained from the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service.
Wildlife including parts and
products, may be imported or
exported from Juneau, Anchorage,
Fairbanks, or Alcan, if Alaska is the
origin or final destination; through
San Juan, if Puerto Rico or the
Virgin Islands are the origin or
final destination; and through
Agana, if Guam is the origin or final
destination. The use of these ports is
not permitted for marine mammals,
or endangered, threatened, CITES,
or injurious species.
Designated Ports
Canadian
and Mexican
Border Ports
Special Ports
Health certificates must accompany
all imports of fresh or frozen fish
produced commercially and salmon
and trout harvested recreationally
outside North American waters.
Live salmon eggs also require
health certificates. For a list of such
certifying officials, contact the
nearest U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Law Enforcement Office.
A list of wildlife and plants that
specifically require a Federal permit
in order to be imported may be
obtained by writing to the offices
listed in the back of this booklet.
These lists include species that are:
endangered or threatened
protected by CITES
injurious migratory birds
and marine mammals.
In addition, travelers will need to be
sure that they have any necessary
foreign permits to establish that the
wildlife they are importing into the
United States was lawfully exported.
Lists of Species
Is Documentation Required?
Most persons who import or export
wildlife must file a special declaration
and may be required to have certain
documents from foreign governments
as well.
In most cases, anyone importing or
exporting wildlife or wildlife products
must file a U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service Form 3-177 (Declaration for
Importation or Exportation of Fish
and Wildlife) with the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service or U.S. Customs
Service at the time of importation or
exportation. This form is available
from the
Customs Service
or the U.S. Fish
& Wildlife
Service offices
listed in the back
of this booklet. It
does not have to
be filed in the
case of wildlife
products or manufactured articles
that are not for sale and are imported
as accompanying personal effects or
as part of a household move, and fish
caught by sport fishermen in North
America unless such wildlife requires
the prior issuance of a permit. This
exception does not apply to packages
mailed into the United States, live
animals, raw or dressed furs or skins,
endangered or threatened wildlife,
injurious wildlife, certain CITES
species, and marine mammals.
Any wildlife imported from a country
regulating its taking, possession,
transportation, exportation, or sale
has to be accompanied by documents
showing compliance with all of that
country’s laws. This documentation
must include an export document
from an appropriate foreign
government official (every
CITES species item must have
documentation, except for some
Import and
Export
Declarations
Foreign
Documentation
Personal or Household effects
Wildlife products or manufactured
articles that are not intended for
sale may enter or leave the United
States through any Customs port if
they are:
Worn as clothing.
Contained in accompanying
personal baggage.
Part of a household move.
The exception for personal or
household effects does not apply to:
Packages mailed into the United
States.
Raw or dressed furs or skins.
Game trophies.
Endangered or threatened wildlife.
Injurious wildlife.
Certain CITES species.
Marine mammals.
Trophies
Wildlife, other than marine mammals
or endangered, threatened, or
CITES Appendix I species, which is
lawfully taken by United States
residents in the United States,
Canada, or Mexico, may be imported
or exported for non-commercial
purposes at any Customs port.
Any Customs
Port
What About Hunting or Capturing
Wildlife Within the United States?
The Federal Government prohibits
the hunting, trapping, capturing, or
harassing of marine mammals,
endangered or threatened species,
bald and golden eagles, hawks, and
owls without a special permit. In
addition, no hunting or trapping of
non-game migratory birds (sea birds,
songbirds, etc.) is allowed without a
special permit.
The Federal Government authorizes
special hunting seasons for certain
migratory game birds. Federal
regulations governing these special
hunting seasons can be obtained by
writing to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service offices listed in the back of
this booklet.
Airborne hunting of any wildlife is
prohibited without specific permits.
What About Restrictions by Other
Government Agencies?
In addition to the requirements,
restrictions, and prohibitions
enforced by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, other Federal agencies are
concerned with the importation and
exportation of wildlife and plants:
Many imported wildlife items are
subject to duty and must meet other
requirements administered by the
U.S. Customs Service. Travelers
should direct any questions
involving Customs laws and
regulations to the U.S. Customs
Service, 1301 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20229.
To protect the U.S. livestock and
agriculture industry from diseases
of foreign origin, the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) also regulates
importation (and in some cases, the
exportation) of plants, birds, and
certain animals.
U.S. Customs
Service
U.S. Department
of Agriculture
personal or household effects). To
find out what documentation may
be required from a specific foreign
country, contact the nearest
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service office.
Any container or package holding
wildlife (alive or dead) or wildlife
parts and products must be labeled to
show the name and address of the
shipper, the name and address of the
receiver, and the quantity and kind of
wildlife or wildlife products within.
What About Buying or Selling
Wildlife Within the United States?
Federal law restricts interstate
commerce in migratory birds, bald
or golden eagles, endangered or
threatened species, and any wildlife
that is taken, possessed, transported,
or sold illegally in a State or foreign
country. These restrictions apply to
live or dead animals, their parts, and
products manufactured from them.
Items commonly sold illegally in the
United States include:
Mounted migratory birds and jewelry
and curios made with feathers of
protected species.
Marking of
Packages and
Containers
Tortoise shell items and sea turtle
meat and oils.
Coats, handbags, wallets, compacts,
and other items made from protected
species.
USDA restricts the entry of live farm
animals, certain zoo animals, some
game animals and birds (including
carcasses, meat, and trophy skins),
poultry and other birds (and hatching
eggs), and the entry and interstate
shipment of potential carriers of
animal diseases. Some animals are
prohibited; others must be held in
USDA Animal Import Centers or
quarantine stations for 30 days after
entry. Quarantine arrangements must
be made prior to the importation.
Animals and birds must be inspected
by veterinarians of the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS). Write in advance to
Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA,
4700 River Road, Riverdale,
Maryland 20737, 301/734 8170.
All imported plant material must be
inspected, and a permit is required
before certain plant material may be
brought into the United States. This
includes fruits, vegetables, and plants
or plant parts intended for growing.
For further information, write:
Permit Unit, APHIS, USDA, Plant
Protection and Quarantine, 4700
River Road, Riverdale, Maryland
20737, 301/734 8896 or 877/770 5990.
The Centers for Disease Control of
the U.S. Public Health Service
administers regulations that apply to
the importation of primates, turtles,
dogs, cats, and other wildlife that
may be carriers of human disease.
For specific information on
importation requirements, write to
the U.S. Public Health Service,
Centers for Disease Control, Division
of Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road,
NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30333,
404/639 3311.
Animals and
Birds
Plant Materials
U.S. Public
Health Service
The National Marine Fisheries of
the U.S. Department of Commerce
has broad restrictions governing
importation and interstate commerce
in marine mammals or their
parts and products. For further
information, write to the Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1335
East-West Highway, Silver Spring,
Maryland 20910.
What is the Role of the States?
Within the United States, individual
States have the major responsibility
for regulating the use (including
hunting) of resident wildlife-that is,
wildlife native to a State. In addition,
many States have laws controlling
the introduction of wildlife that is
not native and regulating the sale
and possession of wildlife within
their borders. Travelers are advised
to check with these authorities
before acquiring wildlife items or
live wildlife.
Are Permits Available?
Some of the controlled import and
export activities described in this
booklet may be conducted under
special permits issued by the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service or National
Marine Fisheries Service. For
additional information, including
exceptions and procedures for
applying for special permits, write:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
Office of Management Authority,
Department of Interior, Washington,
D.C. 20240, or National Marine
Fisheries Service, Office
of Protected Species and Habitat
Conservation, Department of
Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20235.
National Marine
Fisheries Service
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 6
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486-DFC
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: 303/236 7540
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 7
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1011 E. Tudor Road, Suite 155
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199
Telephone: 907/786 3311
Chief
Office of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 520
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Telephone: 703/358 1949
You may also obtain additional
information about the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service from our web
site at www.fws.gov.
Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
As the Nation’s principal
conservation agency, the Department
of the Interior has responsibility for
most of our nationally owned public
lands and natural resources. This
includes fostering the widest use
of our land and water resources,
protecting our fish and wildlife,
preserving the environmental and
cultural values of our national parks
and historical places, and providing
for the enjoyment of life through
outdoor recreation. The Department
assesses our energy and mineral
resources and works to assure that
their development is in the best
interests of all our people. The
Department also has a major
responsibility for American Indian
reservation communities and for
people who live in Island territories
under U.S. administration.
CO, KS, MT, NE,
ND, SD, UT, WY
AK
Headquarters
For More Information
For more complete information,
including lists of protected species
and copies of applicable Federal
regulations, write to the Assistant
Regional Director for Law
Enforcement of the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service Office nearest
your home.
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
Telephone: 503/231 6125
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 2
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 329
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103
Telephone: 505/248 7889
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 45, Federal Building
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-0045
Telephone: 612/713 5320
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 4
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 49226
Atlanta, Georgia 30359
Telephone: 404/679 7057
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 5
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Telephone: 413 /253 8274
State/Territories
CA, HA, ID, NV,
OR, WA, GU,
AS, CM
AZ, NM, OK, TX
IL, IN, IA, MI,
MN, MO, OH,
WI
AL, AR, FL, GA,
KY, LA, MS, NC,
SC, TN, PR, VI
CT, DE, DC, ME,
MD, MA, NH,
NJ, NY, PA, RI,
VT, VA, WV

Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.

April 2000
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Facts About
Federal
Wildlife
Laws
or an educator, the
information in this
booklet will help you
comply with wildlife
protection laws and
make your trip the
positive experience
you want it to be.
By observing the laws,
you’ll help preserve
the world’s wildlife
resources and avoid
delays in clearing
Customs.
This booklet is a guide
to Federal laws that
apply to the importation,
exportation, trade,
and sale of wildlife,
including live and dead
animals and animal
parts and products.
If you’re a tourist
traveling in foreign
countries, a hunter
planning a trip
abroad, an importer
or exporter, a scientist
Federal restrictions on the import
and export of protected wildlife also
apply to hunters who take trophies,
businesses that deal in the animal
and animal product trade, and
scientists or teachers who use
animals for research or educational
purposes. Some exceptions are
allowed, but most imports or exports
of wildlife require that a Federal
permit be obtained in advance.
What Can and Can’t be Imported
More than 1,000 species of animals
and plants are officially listed
under U.S. law as endangered or
threatened. With limited exceptions,
none may be imported or exported
either alive, as parts or products,
or as hunting trophies. One of these
exceptions is for certain antiques.
Other exceptions also may be granted
by Federal permit for scientific
research, breeding, or similar
acceptable purposes that contribute
to the species conservation.
Items falling into the endangered
species category which are commonly
sold abroad but are prohibited entry
into the United States include:
Whole shells and “tortoise”
shell jewelry made from shells of
sea turtles.
Sea turtle soup and facial creams.
Endangered
and Threatened
Species
Introduction As you read this booklet, you
should be aware that the wildlife
and wildlife parts and products
mentioned are only a few of the
species and items that are subject to
Federal law. Also, while this booklet
describes the basic requirements
of Federal regulations, it does not
cover them in full. More complete
information is available from
any of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service offices listed in the back
of this booklet.
If You’re Traveling Abroad...
Some of the most beautiful and
interesting souvenirs offered for sale
abroad are made from the furs,
hides, shells, feathers, teeth, and
flesh of creatures threatened with
extinction. Although tourists may
lawfully buy such souvenirs in a
number of foreign countries, it may
be illegal to import them into the
United States.
Don’t be fooled by the argument that
“the animal is already dead so it
doesn’t matter if you buy something
made from it.” Should you buy items
fashioned from endangered species,
you’d be adding to the demand for
such products and supporting a
market for which more animals
will be killed. When you consider
purchasing a wildlife product during
your travels, first make sure you
can legally bring it home. Don’t rely
on assurances by the vendor. Check
with the U.S. embassy or consular
office, which can then contact the
host government. A good rule, is “If
in doubt, do without.” There are no
refunds if your purchase is seized by
Customs or wildlife inspectors, and
you might also find yourself subject
to monetary penalties.
Under the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES), more than 130 nations are
now regulating international trade
to prevent the decline of species
threatened (listed in Appendix I of
CITES) or potentially threatened
(listed in Appendix II) with
extinction. Trade, which is defined
as import, export, or re-export, of
a long list of such threatened
animal and plant species, is either
virtually prohibited or restricted.
International shipment of these
species and products made from
them requires an import or export
permit, or both, issued in advance by
the official management authorities
of the countries involved.
Seals, whales, dugong (sea cows),
porpoises, walruses, sea otters,
polar bears, and manatees also are
protected by Federal laws. These
animals (alive or dead), their parts,
or products made from them may
not be imported in most instances
except by special permit. Articles
made from these animals that are
commonly sold abroad include:
Sealskin toys, purses, wallets, key
cases, and clothing.
CITES Species
Marine
Mammals
Rugs, pelts, hunting trophies, and a
wide variety of manufactured articles
(such as handbags, compacts, coats,
wallets, key cases, etc.) made from
the skins and/or fur of endangered
or threatened animals, including
the cheetah, jaguar, margay, ocelot,
tiger, and others.
Asian elephant ivory and whale teeth
decorated with etchings (scrimshaw)
or made into figurines (netsuke),
curios, pendants, and other jewelry.
African elephant ivory, both raw
and worked.
Sea turtle and some crocodile leather
shoes, handbags, belts, wallets,
luggage, and similar articles. Leather
products made from certain other
reptiles, including caiman, may also
be prohibited.
apparel, Indian artifacts, necklaces,
headbands, and curios decorated
with feathers.
Most psittacine birds (parrots,
macaws, etc.).
The Lacey Act helps foreign
countries and our individual
States enforce their wildlife
conservation laws.
Under the Lacey Act, it is a violation
of Federal law to import, export,
transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign
commerce any wildlife, including
fish, that was taken, transported,
possessed, or sold in violation of
any State of foreign law, or taken or
possessed in violation of other
Federal law or Indian tribal law.
Many countries prohibit the export
of certain species, and the United
States may also ban the importation
of wildlife from individual foreign
nations. Travelers should check
with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service about such restrictions
before their trip.
Several live animals, including but
not limited to the fruit bat, mongoose,
walking catfish, and java sparrow,
may not be imported because they
are deemed to be harmful to the
environment, to people, or to animals
and plants in the United States. This
prohibition applies to animals in
captivity, including pets, but does not
apply to domesticated dogs, cats, or
rabbits. Many States also have strict
prohibitions against the introduction
of non-native wildlife.
Injurious
Wildlife
Wildlife Taken
in Violation of
State, Federal,
Foreign, or
Indian Tribal
Law
Whalebone and whale and walrus
ivory, either in natural form or carved
into figurines, curios or jewelry.
Sea otter furs and clothing
Polar bear hunting trophies, rugs and
items of clothing.
Most migratory birds are protected
by international treaty as well as by
United States law and may not be
possessed without a permit. However,
game birds that are legally killed in
and exported from foreign countries
by United States hunters may be
imported and possessed. Fully
manufactured artificial flies for
fishing (other than those containing
protected bird species) may also be
imported and possessed. Many
CITES listed live birds are also
controlled under the Wild Bird
Conservation Act and may require
U.S. import permits. Prohibited or
controlled items commonly sold
abroad include:
Live and mounted migratory birds,
including bald and golden eagles.
Feathers in a variety of forms,
including flower pictures, wearing
Bird and
Bird Feathers
Where in the United States Can
Wildlife be Imported or Exported?
To maintain control over importation
and exportation, wildlife and
wildlife products must enter or
exit the United States at one of the
following designated ports unless
specific permits allow otherwise
or unless conditions exist that
allow entry or exit at a Canadian
or Mexican border port, or a
special port.
Atlanta, GA Miami, FL
Baltimore, MD New Orleans, LA
Boston, MA New York, NY
Chicago, IL Newark, NJ
Dallas, TX Portland, OR
Honolulu, HI San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA
Wildlife, including parts and
products, other than marine
mammals or endangered,
threatened, CITES, or injurious
species, which is imported or
exported for commercial purposes
and whose origin is the United
States, Canada, or Mexico, may
enter or exit at any of 31 specified
border ports in addition to the nine
designated ports listed above. A list
of these 31 border ports may be
obtained from the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service.
Wildlife including parts and
products, may be imported or
exported from Juneau, Anchorage,
Fairbanks, or Alcan, if Alaska is the
origin or final destination; through
San Juan, if Puerto Rico or the
Virgin Islands are the origin or
final destination; and through
Agana, if Guam is the origin or final
destination. The use of these ports is
not permitted for marine mammals,
or endangered, threatened, CITES,
or injurious species.
Designated Ports
Canadian
and Mexican
Border Ports
Special Ports
Health certificates must accompany
all imports of fresh or frozen fish
produced commercially and salmon
and trout harvested recreationally
outside North American waters.
Live salmon eggs also require
health certificates. For a list of such
certifying officials, contact the
nearest U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Law Enforcement Office.
A list of wildlife and plants that
specifically require a Federal permit
in order to be imported may be
obtained by writing to the offices
listed in the back of this booklet.
These lists include species that are:
endangered or threatened
protected by CITES
injurious migratory birds
and marine mammals.
In addition, travelers will need to be
sure that they have any necessary
foreign permits to establish that the
wildlife they are importing into the
United States was lawfully exported.
Lists of Species
Is Documentation Required?
Most persons who import or export
wildlife must file a special declaration
and may be required to have certain
documents from foreign governments
as well.
In most cases, anyone importing or
exporting wildlife or wildlife products
must file a U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service Form 3-177 (Declaration for
Importation or Exportation of Fish
and Wildlife) with the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service or U.S. Customs
Service at the time of importation or
exportation. This form is available
from the
Customs Service
or the U.S. Fish
& Wildlife
Service offices
listed in the back
of this booklet. It
does not have to
be filed in the
case of wildlife
products or manufactured articles
that are not for sale and are imported
as accompanying personal effects or
as part of a household move, and fish
caught by sport fishermen in North
America unless such wildlife requires
the prior issuance of a permit. This
exception does not apply to packages
mailed into the United States, live
animals, raw or dressed furs or skins,
endangered or threatened wildlife,
injurious wildlife, certain CITES
species, and marine mammals.
Any wildlife imported from a country
regulating its taking, possession,
transportation, exportation, or sale
has to be accompanied by documents
showing compliance with all of that
country’s laws. This documentation
must include an export document
from an appropriate foreign
government official (every
CITES species item must have
documentation, except for some
Import and
Export
Declarations
Foreign
Documentation
Personal or Household effects
Wildlife products or manufactured
articles that are not intended for
sale may enter or leave the United
States through any Customs port if
they are:
Worn as clothing.
Contained in accompanying
personal baggage.
Part of a household move.
The exception for personal or
household effects does not apply to:
Packages mailed into the United
States.
Raw or dressed furs or skins.
Game trophies.
Endangered or threatened wildlife.
Injurious wildlife.
Certain CITES species.
Marine mammals.
Trophies
Wildlife, other than marine mammals
or endangered, threatened, or
CITES Appendix I species, which is
lawfully taken by United States
residents in the United States,
Canada, or Mexico, may be imported
or exported for non-commercial
purposes at any Customs port.
Any Customs
Port
What About Hunting or Capturing
Wildlife Within the United States?
The Federal Government prohibits
the hunting, trapping, capturing, or
harassing of marine mammals,
endangered or threatened species,
bald and golden eagles, hawks, and
owls without a special permit. In
addition, no hunting or trapping of
non-game migratory birds (sea birds,
songbirds, etc.) is allowed without a
special permit.
The Federal Government authorizes
special hunting seasons for certain
migratory game birds. Federal
regulations governing these special
hunting seasons can be obtained by
writing to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service offices listed in the back of
this booklet.
Airborne hunting of any wildlife is
prohibited without specific permits.
What About Restrictions by Other
Government Agencies?
In addition to the requirements,
restrictions, and prohibitions
enforced by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, other Federal agencies are
concerned with the importation and
exportation of wildlife and plants:
Many imported wildlife items are
subject to duty and must meet other
requirements administered by the
U.S. Customs Service. Travelers
should direct any questions
involving Customs laws and
regulations to the U.S. Customs
Service, 1301 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20229.
To protect the U.S. livestock and
agriculture industry from diseases
of foreign origin, the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) also regulates
importation (and in some cases, the
exportation) of plants, birds, and
certain animals.
U.S. Customs
Service
U.S. Department
of Agriculture
personal or household effects). To
find out what documentation may
be required from a specific foreign
country, contact the nearest
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service office.
Any container or package holding
wildlife (alive or dead) or wildlife
parts and products must be labeled to
show the name and address of the
shipper, the name and address of the
receiver, and the quantity and kind of
wildlife or wildlife products within.
What About Buying or Selling
Wildlife Within the United States?
Federal law restricts interstate
commerce in migratory birds, bald
or golden eagles, endangered or
threatened species, and any wildlife
that is taken, possessed, transported,
or sold illegally in a State or foreign
country. These restrictions apply to
live or dead animals, their parts, and
products manufactured from them.
Items commonly sold illegally in the
United States include:
Mounted migratory birds and jewelry
and curios made with feathers of
protected species.
Marking of
Packages and
Containers
Tortoise shell items and sea turtle
meat and oils.
Coats, handbags, wallets, compacts,
and other items made from protected
species.
USDA restricts the entry of live farm
animals, certain zoo animals, some
game animals and birds (including
carcasses, meat, and trophy skins),
poultry and other birds (and hatching
eggs), and the entry and interstate
shipment of potential carriers of
animal diseases. Some animals are
prohibited; others must be held in
USDA Animal Import Centers or
quarantine stations for 30 days after
entry. Quarantine arrangements must
be made prior to the importation.
Animals and birds must be inspected
by veterinarians of the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS). Write in advance to
Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA,
4700 River Road, Riverdale,
Maryland 20737, 301/734 8170.
All imported plant material must be
inspected, and a permit is required
before certain plant material may be
brought into the United States. This
includes fruits, vegetables, and plants
or plant parts intended for growing.
For further information, write:
Permit Unit, APHIS, USDA, Plant
Protection and Quarantine, 4700
River Road, Riverdale, Maryland
20737, 301/734 8896 or 877/770 5990.
The Centers for Disease Control of
the U.S. Public Health Service
administers regulations that apply to
the importation of primates, turtles,
dogs, cats, and other wildlife that
may be carriers of human disease.
For specific information on
importation requirements, write to
the U.S. Public Health Service,
Centers for Disease Control, Division
of Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road,
NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30333,
404/639 3311.
Animals and
Birds
Plant Materials
U.S. Public
Health Service
The National Marine Fisheries of
the U.S. Department of Commerce
has broad restrictions governing
importation and interstate commerce
in marine mammals or their
parts and products. For further
information, write to the Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1335
East-West Highway, Silver Spring,
Maryland 20910.
What is the Role of the States?
Within the United States, individual
States have the major responsibility
for regulating the use (including
hunting) of resident wildlife-that is,
wildlife native to a State. In addition,
many States have laws controlling
the introduction of wildlife that is
not native and regulating the sale
and possession of wildlife within
their borders. Travelers are advised
to check with these authorities
before acquiring wildlife items or
live wildlife.
Are Permits Available?
Some of the controlled import and
export activities described in this
booklet may be conducted under
special permits issued by the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service or National
Marine Fisheries Service. For
additional information, including
exceptions and procedures for
applying for special permits, write:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
Office of Management Authority,
Department of Interior, Washington,
D.C. 20240, or National Marine
Fisheries Service, Office
of Protected Species and Habitat
Conservation, Department of
Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20235.
National Marine
Fisheries Service
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 6
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486-DFC
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: 303/236 7540
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 7
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1011 E. Tudor Road, Suite 155
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199
Telephone: 907/786 3311
Chief
Office of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 520
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Telephone: 703/358 1949
You may also obtain additional
information about the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service from our web
site at www.fws.gov.
Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
As the Nation’s principal
conservation agency, the Department
of the Interior has responsibility for
most of our nationally owned public
lands and natural resources. This
includes fostering the widest use
of our land and water resources,
protecting our fish and wildlife,
preserving the environmental and
cultural values of our national parks
and historical places, and providing
for the enjoyment of life through
outdoor recreation. The Department
assesses our energy and mineral
resources and works to assure that
their development is in the best
interests of all our people. The
Department also has a major
responsibility for American Indian
reservation communities and for
people who live in Island territories
under U.S. administration.
CO, KS, MT, NE,
ND, SD, UT, WY
AK
Headquarters
For More Information
For more complete information,
including lists of protected species
and copies of applicable Federal
regulations, write to the Assistant
Regional Director for Law
Enforcement of the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service Office nearest
your home.
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
Telephone: 503/231 6125
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 2
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 329
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103
Telephone: 505/248 7889
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 45, Federal Building
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-0045
Telephone: 612/713 5320
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 4
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 49226
Atlanta, Georgia 30359
Telephone: 404/679 7057
Assistant Regional Director
for Law Enforcement,
Region 5
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Telephone: 413 /253 8274
State/Territories
CA, HA, ID, NV,
OR, WA, GU,
AS, CM
AZ, NM, OK, TX
IL, IN, IA, MI,
MN, MO, OH,
WI
AL, AR, FL, GA,
KY, LA, MS, NC,
SC, TN, PR, VI
CT, DE, DC, ME,
MD, MA, NH,
NJ, NY, PA, RI,
VT, VA, WV